Blanco, at age 44 the youngest ever inaugural poet, recited a poem that painted vivid scenes about America and included reflections on his experience growing up as Cuban exile in New York City and Miami.

Blanco was born in Spain but emigrated to the United States with his Cuban parents and lived in Miami. He was an engineer for South Miami before he took up poetry full-time. He now lives in Maine.

In addition to being the youngest ever inaugural poet, Blanco is the first Hispanic and the first openly gay person to serve in the role.

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